NEW ORLEANS — Georgia returns to the Sugar Bowl one year after a terror attack during last season’s bowl week took lives and changed New Orleans’ New Year celebration.

The Bulldogs are back on college football’s grand stage with emotions still present from the attack that occurred during their previous visit.

“We owe it to all those guys over there in sweatsuits to be focused on the task at hand,” head coach Kirby Smart said. “Unfortunately people lost their lives during that event. It changed everything in this city. But our guys are excited to be back, excited to have an opportunity to play in the Sugar Bowl.”

Players said memories return quickly, sometimes before reaching the stadium. The attack site remains visible during the team’s drive through the city.

“Just when we drove down the street, it’s definitely brought back some memories,” quarterback Gunner Stockton said. “But it feels like it’s a whole different game. So I’m excited to go out there and play.”

Linebacker CJ Allen said the focus is on the team’s response to the tragedy.

“Things happen out of our control sometimes,” Allen said. “I think the ability we do have is to be able to respond from it.”

The loss from the attack remains real one year later. New Orleans hosts the Sugar Bowl again, and Georgia plays again, without forgetting why this week feels different.

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